forráð

Forráð is an Icelandic noun with two primary senses. In everyday language it refers to precautions or safeguards taken to prevent harm or danger, such as safety measures or preventive steps. In a legal or administrative context, forráð denotes guardianship or custodial authority over a person or property, typically involving formal duties and powers exercised on another’s behalf.

Etymology and sense development. The word combines a prefix meaning “in advance” with ráđ, a root related to advice, counsel, or decision. This underpins the core ideas of beforehand protection in the first sense and management or supervision in the second sense. The guardianship meaning is common in legal discourse, where forráð describes the authority to care for and administer someone’s person or estate.

Usage. In everyday Icelandic, forráð is used when discussing preventive action: for example, to take precautions against danger or risk, one might say it is important to taka forráð gegn hættu. In legal language, forráð refers to the arrangement of guardianship; parents have forráð yfir barni sínu, and a forráðamaður is the guardian empowered to act on behalf of the person under guardianship or, in some contexts, over an inherited estate. The term thus spans practical safety measures as well as formal custodial authority.

See also. Related terms include forráðamaður (guardian) and guardianship as a legal concept. The word is typically understood within Icelandic law and everyday safety discourse as describing both preventive measures and supervisory authority.